P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Our team of experts pick the MotoGP rider likeliest to be dropped next year
As the summer approaches, speculation arises regarding which MotoGP rider will face being axed from the grid.
Negotiations for contracts for the following season are ongoing, leaving under-performing riders such as Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, and Jack Miller in a state of unease.
Although the official list of riders without deals for 2026 includes Marini, Morbidelli, and Miller, contract clauses and team decisions could lead to potential replacements.
With a pool of talented Moto2 riders eyeing a promotion and Toprak Razgatlioglu joining Pramac Yamaha, the question of which current rider may not deserve a spot in the 2026 MotoGP grid is raised by experts.
Miguel Oliveira of Yamaha is highlighted as a rider who may be replaced due to his inconsistent performances and lack of top results this season.
Similarly, Somkiat Chantra’s struggles in his rookie season at LCR Honda have raised doubts about his future in MotoGP despite the significance of his promotion for Asian talent development efforts.
